Long time sushi chef, Ben Crockett, will be dishing out “fresh, fast and flavorful rolls, nigiri and salads” in downtown Austin to the crowds of business professionals and hipsters. The mini restaurant, built onto a travel trailer chassis, has the capabilities to be moved, but will likely keep its prime downtown location. Patrons can grab and go or enjoy the outdoor seating built around the container.

Container conversions, like the SushiBOX, aren’t a new skill for designSTUDIOmodern, who also built the popular, local, organic, french-style bakery and cafe, La Boite, located in South Austin. SushiBOX is built into a 20′ container, with three sides that swing up to create awnings and a closed in area for the sushi chef and order counter. The container was insulated with bio-based spray foam insulation and also features rainwater HOGs. designSTUDIOmodern recently hosted a dumpster pool party to raise money for the Gulf Restoration Network and is working on another La Boite cafe container conversion.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

The construction of new buildings requires lots of new materials that have to be sourced, manufactured and then transported to the build site, requiring a significant amount of energy and causing the emission of greenhouse gases. By recycling pre-existing shipping containers, all of the material and energy that would otherwise be spent creating a structure can be saved.